Jay Buchanan Interview

We had the great pleasure of interviewing Jay Buchanan after his recent show at Alex's Bar on December 30th. Jay had just come off a European tour with Rival Sons and was playing his his first Long Beach, CA solo show since this summer's Buskerfest.

Jay Buchanan with Judy on the patio of Alex's Bar.

Q: What are some of your musical influences?
A: I love Joni Mitchell and Robert Johnson. One of my biggest vocal influences would have to be Freddie Mercury from Queen. I also really like Steve Marriott from Small Faces and Humble Pie.

Q: What was your first record?
A: Probably something by Prince.

Q: What made you want to call Long Beach [CA] home?
A: The local music scene. My friends in Bourbon Jones and Brett Bixby from 12 Hour Mary were all based here. There's a lot going on artistically and musically around town.

Q: With your amazing voice we always wondered if you ever had any type of vocal training?
A: No never, in fact I don't usually even need to warm-up my voice before going on stage.

Q: How was the tour of Europe?
A: Amazing. We sold out over 95% of the tour. The crowds were fantastic.

Q: Rival Sons have shared the stage with a diverse array of bands such as Judas Priest, Queensryche, Kid Rock and Evanescence. Is it hard to play with bands that might have a different core audience?
A: No. We look at it as an opportunity to pick up new fans.

Q: Is it hard to switch gears from the hard rock style of Rival Sons to the  folk/blues sound of your solo work?
A: This is this and that is that (Jay's opposing hands gesture two completely different musical styles).

Q: What are your plans for 2012?
A: Rival Sons are getting ready to go out on a tour of the south through Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi. After that we are headed up to Canada for a tour. We are now in the Top 10 in active rock in Canada so I'm looking forward to touring up there. I'm also planning on recording a solo album sometime this year.